Cancer patients get quicker access to medication

Cancer patients in Jersey can get quicker access to medication needed to support them while having treatment, health bosses say.

Patients can now be prescribed and get direct access to painkillers, antibiotics, anti-nausea tablets, laxatives and other medications.

Oncology unit manager Rachael Conway said it meant "less time" spent in hospital for people receiving treatment and that the initiative took pressure off the pharmacy and medical staff.

She said patients attending routine appointments and those registered with them who attended at short-notice would benefit from the new system.

Previously, patients who needed additional medication to their cancer treatment had to get a prescription and then wait in the hospital for the pharmacy to dispense medicines.

Cancer patient Sue Letherbarrow said sometimes the pharmacy would have a "two, three, four-hour delay" to get medication.

"The new system makes the transition much easier," she said.

Rachael Conway said staff were looking at ways to "improve the patient's journey" and they wanted to help reduce times spent in hospital.

In observance of World Cancer Day on Tuesday, the Jersey Library is hosting an event: World Cancer Day, Closer to Home.

Laura Kangas-Hamon, from the government's Connect Me scheme, which organised the day, said it was "working very closely with lots of cancer charities".

"I've heard loads of good conversations, not only with the public, but also with the organisations liaising with each other and learning about each other," she said.

The free event is being held from 10:00-15:00 GMT.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].